PM highlights “irreversibility” of “historic process” of EU integration on membership bid anniversary

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday marked the first anniversary of the country’s formal application to join the European Union by saying the “historic process” of EU integration had become “irreversible” with the bid and would “soon be crowned” with full membership in the bloc.

In his message over the date, Garibashvili said the country “undoubtedly” deserved a “fair recognition” for its “large-scale reforms” and “pace and quality of development”.

• PM Garibashvili signs Georgia’s application for EU membership on “historic day”

“On March 3, 2022, I had the distinct honour of signing a document that embodies the dream of many generations of Georgians, the centuries-old aspiration of our people”, he said in comments on the anniversary.

On that day, a new page of our history was turned. The recognition of the European perspective of Georgia by the Council of the European Union brought us even closer to the membership of the European family of free nations”, he added.

The head of the Government highlighted the efforts of the Georgian authorities for ensuring the country got “closer to the European way of life” and fulfilling the formal conditions outlined for receiving the membership candidate status.

Over the past year, we intensified our efforts to achieve the goal that defines our entire history and, naturally, the activities of our Government. We have taken all the steps to get closer to the European standards and way of life and to its institutional structure and legislation, and to fulfil our obligations”, Garibashvili pointed out.

EU enlargement is a process based on merit, and this is what gives us the most hope. Georgia - a European country with all its history, culture, values, an organic part of Western civilisation and a co-creator of its great culture - undoubtedly deserves a fair recognition with its present existence, large-scale reforms and pace and quality of development. I deeply believe that the historic process, which became irreversible a year ago, will soon be crowned with Georgia's full membership in the European Union”, he noted.

In his message, Garibashvili also hailed the support of Georgian citizens in the process of European integration by saying it was “the strongest incentive for the daily activities of the Government and our political team as a whole”.

“We are grateful to our European friends, partner countries' governments and people who stand by us on the way to make this goal a reality”, he concluded.